Issue - meetings

That the Committee recommend to Cabinet that:-

• Subject to confirmation of Families Firstfunding, the Head of Culture and Leisure write to all Town and Community Councils advising them that the number of Playschemes available to them during the summer of 2014 and beyond be limited to a maximum of two each and that summer Playscheme provision be reduced from five weeks to three weeks at locations to be agreed through local consultation.
• Town and Community Councils who are keen to increase the complement of Playscheme sites in their area above the 2 offered are given the opportunity to increase the provision through match funding.
• A pressure bid of up to £12,000 be allocated to support match funding for Town and Community Councils.
• If confirmation was received that there would be a reduction in Families First funding; the Playscheme Task & Finish Group should meet again to consider how best to provide sustainable play provision from April 2014 with reference to the summer play scheme programme.

The Housing and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator  introduced a report on the recommendations of the Playscheme Task and Finish Group to provide sustainable play provision from April 2014 with reference to the summer play scheme programme.

The Facilitator provided background information and advised that the Playscheme Task and Finish Group had met in November 2013 to consider feedback from users of the 2013 Summer Playscheme.  The Group had agreed that the playschemes provided invaluable facilities for children during the summer holidays and were important for families who could not afford to take their children on holiday.  The Group had also emphasised the importance of the scheme in developing children’s play, co-ordination and social skills.

RESOLVED

That the Committee recommend to Cabinet that:-

• Subject to confirmation of Families Firstfunding, the Head of Culture and Leisure write to all Town and Community Councils advising them that the number of Playschemes available to them during the summer of 2014 and beyond be limited to a maximum of two each and that summer Playscheme provision be reduced from five weeks to three weeks at locations to be agreed through local consultation.
• Town and Community Councils who are keen to increase the complement of Playscheme sites in their area above the 2 offered are given the opportunity to increase the provision through match funding.
• A pressure bid of up to £12,000 be allocated to support match funding for Town and Community Councils.
• If confirmation was received that there would be a reduction in Families First funding; the Playscheme Task & Finish Group should meet again to consider how best to provide sustainable play provision from April 2014 with reference to the summer play scheme programme.